Quilling Basics

Here are some basic quilling instructions to get you started learning this beautiful art form. The more you practice the more uniform your quilling shapes will be. The shapes below were all made with 6" lenghts of paper but you can use longer strips in your practice if desired.

Basic Shapes

Tight RollRoll strip of paper on quilling tool.Slide off tool while holding shape.Glue loose end down.

Grape RollMake a Tight Roll.Round up center of tight roll with finger or quilling tool.

Tapered RollMake a Tight Roll.Press out center of tight roll to a sharp point using quilling needle or point of tweezers.For large tapered rolls, taper tight roll as you are rolling it.

Ring CoilWrap strip around handle of quilling tool. Glue loose end down while still on handle.To make larger ring coil, wrap strip around larger object.

Closed CoilRoll strip of paper on quilling tool.Slide off tool.Release and allow coil to expand.Glue loose end down.

Eccentric CoilRoll a Closed Coil. Pull center of coil to edge and glue in place.

Tear Drop Roll a Closed Coil. Pinch one side of coil to a point

ShapedTear Drop Roll a Closed Coil. Pinch one side of coil to a point. Bend point slightly to one side.

Tight Tear Drop Make a Grape Roll. Pinch one side of grape roll to a point.

Half Circle Roll a Closed Coil. Hold coil in fingers and gently press top with thumbs until approx. 1/3 of coil is indented and pinch points at each end of indentation.

Tulip Roll a Closed Coil. Hold coil in fingers and using thumbs and index fingers gently press into 3 points making middle point slightly higher than ends.

Marquise Roll a Closed Coil.Pinch both sides of coil to a point

Shaped Marquise Roll a Closed Coil.Pinch both sides of coil to a point. Bend points slightly in opposite direction.

Tight Marquise Make a Grape Roll. Pinch opposite sides of grape roll to a point.

Square Roll a Closed Coil.Pinch both sides of coil to a point (marquise).Pinch two more points between first two points.

RectangleRoll a Closed Coil.Pinch both sides of coil to a point (marquise).Pinch two more points approximately 1/3 distance between first two points.

Triangle Roll a Closed Coil.Pinch one side of coil to a point (teardrop).Pinch two more points equal distance from first point to top of curve.

Diamond Pinch both sides of coil to a point (marquise).Pinch two more points between first two points (square).Press one set of opposite points slightly toward left and other set of points slightly toward the right.

Basic Scrolls

Loose Scroll (or open coil)Roll strip of paper on quilling tool.Release and allow coil to expand.Leave as is for open coil, or pull portion of loose end straight to make loose scroll.

V Scroll Fold strip of paper in half.Roll each end outward toward the fold in paper

S Scroll Roll one end to paper toward center.Roll other end in opposite direction toward center.

Heart Scroll Fold strip of paper in half.Roll each end of paper inward toward fold in paper

Double ScrollFold strip in half.Roll both sides of strip towards same side

Double Scroll with Flag Fold strip of paper in half.Roll both ends together toward fold in paper.

C ScrollRoll each end of paper in same direction toward center of paper.

Asymmetric S ScrollRoll one end of strip past center of paperRoll other end of strip in opposite direction toward first roll

Asymmetric C ScrollRoll one end of strip past center of paperRoll other end of strip in same direction toward first roll

Asymmetric Heart ScrollFold strip in half.Roll ends of strip inward toward center, rolling one side closer to center than other side

Asymmetric V ScrollFold strip in half.Roll ends of strip outward toward center, rolling one side closer to center than other side

Modified Heart ScrollFold strip off center (at 1/4 or 1/3 mark).Roll each end of paper inward toward fold in paper

Modified V ScrollFold strip off center (at 1/4 or 1/3 mark).Roll each end outward toward the fold in paper

Quilling Tools

Slotted Quilling Tool This is the tool most beginners start with. It has a small cut into the end of the tool to hold quilling paper
in place while rolling. Coils made using this tool will have a small bend in the paper at center. This tool is also used to make folded roses.

Needle Quilling Tool This tool resembles a long needle; some brands have a sharp point and others have a blunt point. Coils made using this tool do not have the small bend at center of coil. This tool is also used to make spirals.

If you are just starting out and don't have any tools you can purchase a Quilling Tool Set which includes both the Slotted Tool and Needle Tool

Corsage PinA corsage pin can be used instead of a needle tool when smaller opening in center of coils is required or desired.

Design BoardA design board can be used to ensure coils are all the same size and also for making eccentric coils

Quilling FringerA quilling fringer is used to make small cuts into quilling paper along the edge. There are two different types of fringers - one that makes a 90 degree cut for fringed flowers, and one that made a 45 degree cut which is used for making fringed leaves

Fine-Tip Glue BottleA fine-tip glue bottle can be used to ensure only a small drop of glue is applied to quilling paper.

Quilling Papers

Quilling Paper Widths1/16" and 1/8" wide paper strips are the most common used for paper quilling. 1/4" & 3/8" wide paper strips are mainly used for fringed flowers, fringed leaves, 3-D Quilling, and punched flowers.Some papers are also available in wider widths from 1/2" to 2"